2014 Great Backyard Bird Count

The annual Great Backyard Bird Count takes place next weekend, February 14 – 17. The event was started in 1998 by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society. It was the first online citizen-science project to collect data on wild birds and to display results in near real-time.

The Blue Jay, above, is a frequent visitor to my tray feeder. It helps that I leave him a few whole peanuts in the shell, a favorite food, to entice him to return.

Citizen Scientists Needed

The Backyard Bird Count is an opportunity for citizen scientists around the world to help researchers by spending a few minutes next weekend counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of where the birds are. It’s as easy as looking out your window for 15 minutes or going for a walk at a local park.

People of all ages and skill levels can participate. You do not need to be an expert to contribute. Even if you can only identify the common birds you can still take part in the count.

How to participate

• Get started by creating an account if you have not participated in the past.
• Download an instruction sheet.
• Print a checklist of birds for your area.
• Count birds for 15 minutes or more.
• Enter your results on the birdcount webpage.

The little Pine Siskin on the right is enjoying thistle. Pine Siskins look similar to the American Goldfinch and are winter visitors to the Chicago area. They are irruptive migrants and will only migrate when their food supply becomes scarce. They have not visited my yard this winter. These are the type of trends that scientists are evaluating.

Why Count in February?

You might be wondering why a bird count that originated in North America is held in the coldest month of the year. The reason was to create a snapshot of the distribution of birds just before spring migrations begin in March. Last year a change was made and the count went global, creating snapshots of birds wherever they are in February, regardless of seasons across the hemispheres.

The Dark-eyed Junco, above, is a winter migrant across much of North America. They are predictable and return every winter. When they appear in my yard in October I know winter isn’t far behind.

Where to find birds?

Your backyard, at a local park or wildlife refuge, or wherever you like to watch birds.

I count in several places. The easiest is my backyard where I have several feeders and a regular crowd of birds. I can always count on cardinals, finches, woodpeckers and sparrows to stop by for a meal. I also count on the trails at the park and the forest preserve. That may be a little more difficult this year with all the snow and ice, but I am planning on counting if I have to do it from the parking lot! And yes, a parking lot count is perfectly acceptable.

The Mourning Doves, above, are year-round residents. They don’t eat thistle but have taken refuge under the dome on the thistle feeder to wait out the storm.

Last Year’s Statistics

Graphic and figures from gbbc.birdcount.org

Checklists Submitted: 137998 | Total Species Observed: 4258 | Total Individual Birds Counted: 33464616

Will You Join In?

I would love to hear about your experience if you decide to participate. And if you do, stop by and let me know all about it.

Saturday Snapshot was originated by Alyce at At Home With Books. It is now hosted by Melinda of West Metro Mommy. Visit her blog to see more great photos or add your own.

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